2024 March Madness Odds: Sweet 16 Illinois vs Iowa State Pick

 

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Some of the best games of the NCAA Tournament normally come from the #8 vs. the #9 seed. This could be the case in the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa on Thursday, as the eighth-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks will face off against the ninth-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini.

The Fighting Illini are making their third-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, while the Razorbacks are back for their fourth-straight go-around.

Could This Be One of the Best Matchups of the NCAA Tournament?

We will now preview each of the two teams, and then we’ll give you our betting predictions for this Round of 64 contest. Keep reading for college basketball odds, analysis, and a free pick for Illinois vs. Arkansas.

2023 March Madness Round of 64 Game
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Betting Preview

Arkansas of SEC meets Illinois of Big Ten in NCAA Tourney First Round
ATS Odds: Arkansas -2.5
Over/Under Odds: 144.5 -110
When: Thursday, March 16 at 4:20 pm ET
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, IA
TV / Streaming: TBS

Why Bet on Illinois Fighting Illini against Arkansas Razorbacks?

Brad Underwood’s squad has been a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde team this season. At times, the Illini have looked like a title contender, while at others, they’ve looked more like a team destined for the NIT . The Illini have lost five of its last eight games, including a loss to Penn State early in the Big 10 Tournament. With early season wins over Texas and UCLA, Illinois has the potential to make a long run, but they also have the potential to lose their first game.

Led by Terrence Shannon, Jr. the Illini have the ability to score points in bunches. Shannon is flanked by Coleman Hawkins, sharp-shooting Matthew Mayer, and big man Dain Dainja. The Illini tend to live and die by the three-pointer, so if they’re hitting from beyond the arc, they’re a very dangerous team.

Why Bet on Arkansas Razorbacks against Illinois Fighting Illini?

Eric Musselman has brought the Arkansas Razorbacks program back to prominence. Arkansas came into the season as a Top 10 team, but when Trevon Brazile tore his ACL early on, Arkansas’s season didn’t go exactly as planned. Arkansas will now try to live up to their preseason hype.

Musselman brought in the nation’s top freshman, Nick Smith, to lead his team. Smith was injured early in the season, but when he has been on the floor, he has played well. Smith, along with fellow five-star freshman Anthony Black, have led the Razorbacks this season. Black was hurt in the Arkansas loss to Texas A&M in the SEC Tournament, so we’re not sure how healthy he’ll be for the matchup with the Fighting Illini.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Relevant Trends

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Final Betting Prediction

The oddsmakers have set the lines for the first-round games. Arkansas is an early 2.5-point favorite in this one. Arkansas is 16-17 against the spread this season, while Illinois is 18-14. Arkansas was a favorite in 23 of their 33 games this season. In those 23 games, the Razorbacks were 12-10-1 against the spread. 

One thing that may make you want to pick the Illini, is the fact that in the five games that they were 2.5-point or more underdogs, Illinois was 5-0 against the spread. The Illini were just 1-5 against the spread in their last six, so we’re really not seeing a trend towards taking Illinois. 

We like Arkansas in this one. We think their defense will give Illinois problems, and the inconsistency of the Illini makes us weary of them. Arkansas is 9-1 against the spread in their last 10 games against Big 10 opponents, and we think after Thursday’s game, it will be 10-1. 

March Madness Round of 64 Pick: Arkansas | Bet Illinois vs. Arkansas Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

 

 

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We are now 5 weeks into the college basketball season and things are beginning to take shape. We are now edging ever closer to the start of conference matchups, which is usually when we start to see some real separation between the contenders and the pretenders. It’s another jam-packed schedule this week, with some big games that need to be paid attention to. We are going to take a look at the next 4 days of action and pick out a game from each that we think could be great NCAA Basketball Betting opportunities, so let’s get right to it.

Men’s College Basketball Betting Picks & Options Throughout the Week

Kent State Golden Flashes at Gonzaga Bulldogs – Monday

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are coming into this one in a bit of a strange position for them in that it has been a slow start to the season. They are now sitting at 5-3 on the year after losing a close one to Baylor over the weekend. They are almost certainly going to drop in the rankings when they are released, but they have a chance to bounce right back at home on Monday night. Kent State are not going to just roll over and play dead, though, as they come into this one at 6-2, albeit with just 1 road win to their name this season. Can the Bulldogs cover the spread. Which is at 14 ½?

Illinois Fighting Illini Vs Texas Longhorns – Tuesday

We have a pair of currently ranked teams going head-to-head on Tuesday night in what should be a great one. Illinois will be looking to bounce back after losing over the weekend to fall to 6-2 on the season. Texas is a perfect 6-0 on the season, so it will be interesting to see if they can keep the good times rolling. No home court advantage in this one, as it is set to be played at Madison Square Garden in NYC. These two are very similar in their stats, so this has all the makings of a close one. Keep an eye on the point spread here.

UConn Huskies at Florida Gators – Wednesday

The UConn Huskies are out to an absolutely fantastic start this season, going a perfect 9-0 to get the ball rolling. They should be able to get the win on the road to Florida on Wednesday night, but I would not totally count out the Gators. They have been solid on home court, going 4-1 in their own building in the early going. Both of these teams have looked good offensively this season, so it might be worth talking a look at the point total in this one, although I would also be interested to see what the spread is, as Florida might keep this close at home.

Iowa State Cyclones at Iowa Hawkeyes – Thursday

There is nothing quite like a good rivalry game, and we have a beauty set to go on Thursday night. The Iowa State Cyclones hit the road on the heels of a perfect week that saw them move to 7-1 on the season. The Hawkeyes took their first loss of the season last week, but they did rebound and close things out with a win to go to 6-1. The problem that the Cyclones are going to have is hitting the road to face an Iowa team that is a perfect 4-0 at home. This should be a fun one to watch and wager on.

 

 

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March Madness continue with the matches between Houston vs Illinois and Iowa State vs Wisconsin. We’ll give you a brief breakdown of each, and then we’ll give you our predictions so you can bet against their March Madness Odds. Enjoy another weekend of watching great college basketball action!

Men’s College Basketball March Madness Betting Preview for Must Wager 2nd Round Games

Houston Cougars vs Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

We are through one round of the NCAA Tournament, and our matchup here includes the top seeds from their previous games.

It was not as easy as it seems, especially if you are Illinois but all you have to do is survive and advance. Houston held off a late run from UAB in the second half to beat the Blazers and move to Sunday. 

This matchup is the first game of the day on Sunday when Illinois and Houston tip-off at 12:10 (ET) on CBS. 

Illinois Fighting Illini Notes

It was a scare on Friday night for Illinois in their first-round game against the Chattanooga Mocs. Chattanooga led for all but 25 seconds of the game. The Mocs made a run early, and Illinois would respond, but the Illini could never get over the hump and take the lead. 

Kofi Cockburn was able to get to the line early and often, but the Illini could not capitalize. It was not until the second half where Illinois made their first three-pointer of the game.

Alfonso Plummer was big in the second half for Illinois making three, three-point shots. The Illini were able to capitalize late at the free-throw line and a big block from Coleman Hawkins late to seal the deal. 

Illinois will be in a world of trouble if they play a similar game against Houston as they did with Chattanooga. 

Houston Cougars Notes

The champions of the American Athletic Conference, with a record of 30-5, come in as the #5 seed. They beat UAB 82-68 in the first round.

The Houston Cougars dominated on defense which led to the offensive outburst against the Blazers. They waited quite a bit to play their game, but it was all worthwhile for the Cougars. 

Kyler Edwards led the way for the Cougars in the first-round win with 25 points. The senior leads the team in points per game this season with 13.9 points per game. The dangerous part about Houston is they have so many guys that can be a threat and score big-time points in a game. 

Houston has to come out hot against if they really want to win this game. A chance to put Illinois behind the eight ball again would be a huge confidence boost for the Cougars.

Wisconsin Badgers vs Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview

This was another wild first two games for both Wisconsin and Iowa State. The Badgers practically playing a home game and surviving against Colgate was not for the faint of hearts. Iowa State got the big and much-needed win over LSU in their first-round game. 

This game is set for a 6:10 p.m. (ET) tip-off on CBS. 

Wisconsin Badgers Notes

What a treat for the Badgers and their fans for the first two rounds as they are playing in front of a large crowd in Milwaukee. You could feel the energy of the crowd down the stretch of the game as Wisconsin made the comeback over Colgate. 

Johnny Davis came up big late with a few big three’s and getting to the rim, forcing Colgate to foul. Davis led the way for the Badgers with 25 points on the evening. Wisconsin cannot afford to let Iowa State hang around, or they could be sent home in front of their fans. 

Iowa State Cyclones Notes

The Cyclones should have a good following of their own in Milwaukee. Iowa State got an “upset” win over LSU as an 11 seed. I put upset in quotes because, in our opinion, it was not much of an upset.

With the issues that LSU has come across in the last few weeks, the Cyclones should have won this game.

Tyrese Hunter led the way and made multiple big shots in the end of this game. Hunter had 23 points on the evening to lead the Cyclones.

Hunter will have a tough task against Brad Davidson in the upcoming game against Wisconsin.

 

 

Previous Betting News

Poor Iowa State didn’t win a single Big 12 game this season and the 10^th-seeded Cyclones will be big underdogs when they open conference tournament play against No. 7 Oklahoma on Wednesday. The Sooners are +1500 to win this tournament.

How to Bet Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State NCAA Basketball Odds & TV Info

When: Wednesday, 9 PM ET
Where: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN app
Radio:com
Opening NCAAB Lines: TBA (Oklahoma will be favored)

Last Meeting

The Sooners won both meetings this season. The schools last played on Feb. 20 in Ames and OU won 66-56. The Cyclones trailed by as many as 21 in the first half before rallying to a 46-45 lead on Tre Jackson’s 3-pointer with 11:29 remaining. The Sooners then responded with a 16-4 spurt to grab the lead for good. Austin Reaves had 20 points to lead Oklahoma. Reaves helped seal the win with two free throws and a long 3-pointer in the final 1:34. He finished 8 for 10 from the line. Iowa State had won the previous nine meetings in Ames.

Why Bet on Iowa State? | 2021 NCAA Basketball Expert Analysis

ISU (2-21) closed the season with a 61-56 loss at Kansas State to finish an embarrassing 0-18 in league play. K-State held Iowa State to just 35.8 percent (19-of-53) shooting, including 21.7 percent (5-of-23) from 3-point range, while forcing 16 turnovers. The Cyclones shot just 30.8 percent (8-of-26) in the second half, including 13.3 percent (2-of-15) from long range, with 13 of their 31 points coming from the free throw line.

The defensive effort made up for a poor shooting night, as the Wildcats hit on just 38 percent (19-of-50) of their field goals, including 29.2 percent (7-of-24) from 3-point range. K-State did score 15 points off the 16 turnovers by ISU.

Two Cyclones – seniors Jalen Coleman-Lands (19) and Solomon Young (18) – combined for 37 of the team’s 56 points on 13-of-26 field goals and 8-of-10 free throws, while the other 7 players managed just 19 points on 6-of-27 shooting and 5-of-8 free throws. Junior Javan Johnson grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds.

It could be that coach Steve Prohm is fired after this horrible year. The decision will ultimately fall to athletic director Jamie Pollard, who has not commented publicly on the men’s basketball program or Prohm’s status going forward.

“I can’t worry about that,” Prohm said. “Those things are out of my control. I understand the job that I’ve done here over six years.”

It is just the second time in the 114-year history of Iowa State basketball that the Cyclones failed to win a conference game, giving the 1936-37 team company. Saturday’s loss also extended Iowa State’s current losing streak to 17 games, a record they had already set two losses prior.

Iowa State should be bolstered by the return of point guard Rasir Bolton, who has missed three games after spraining his ankle. Bolton is Iowa State’s leading scorer and without him they were left without anyone who had logged significant point guard minutes this season.

Why Bet on Oklahoma? | 2021 NCAA Basketball Expert Analysis

The Sooners (14-9) ended the season on a four-game skid, falling at home to No. 15 Texas 69-65 last Thursday. Defense proved to be the difference, as UT limited the Sooners to 65 points on 37.3-percent field goal shooting (22-59), including a 28.0-percent mark (7-25) from three-point range.

Oklahoma trimmed a big deficit to two points on four occasions down the stretch, the last coming after an Austin Reaves layup to pull within 67-65 with 6.9 seconds left. Freshman forward Greg Brown converted a pair of free throws in a 1-and-1 pressure situation with 4.9 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

Reaves scored 16 points and Alondes Williams and Brady Manek each added 13 for the Sooners whose four straight losses are by a combined 17 points. Just a few weeks ago, this team was flying high with five wins over ranked teams, looking down at the rest of the Big 12 from second place and with a top-10 national standing.

“I don’t think we’re playing much differently than when we won seven of eight,” said Sooner head coach Lon Kruger following the loss to Texas. “We won one-possession games in the weeks prior to the last 10 days. We need to finish games differently. We have to play for 40 minutes regardless.”

The Sooners have not won a Big 12 tournament game since the 2016 Final Four season. Beginning with a semifinal loss to West Virginia that season, OU has lost four straight in the event. Oklahoma has played Iowa State more in the Big 12 tournament than any current conference school other than Kansas. The Sooners are 6-4 against the Cyclones with the 2016 quarterfinal victory over ISU.

Joe Lunardi of ESPN currently projects the Sooners as a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, while Jerry Palm of CBS has OU on the No. 8 line.

Expert NBA Prediction

Oklahoma 76, Iowa State 66

 

 

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Huge game from the Big Ten on Tuesday as No. 3 Michigan would clinch the Big Ten regular-season title with a win over No. 5 Illinois – those rankings could change a bit later Monday. The Wolverines will be favored on the NCAAB odds. They are +400 to win the national title and Illinois +2000.

How to Bet Illinois at Michigan NCAA Basketball Odds & TV Info

When: Tuesday, 7 PM ET
Where: Crisler Center
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN app
Radio:com
Opening NCAAB Lines: TBA (Michigan will be favored)

Last Meeting

It’s the only scheduled meeting between the schools. Last year, U-M won both. The one in Ann Arbor was 64-62 when Michigan was unranked and Illinois was No. 21. Illinois star Ayo Dosunmu hit a contested jumper from the free throw line with 0.5 seconds remaining for the win. Michigan had one last possession with under a second left, but the Wolverines didn’t get a shot off. The Wolverines let the game slip away at the foul line, where they went 0 for 5 in the final four minutes. Illinois tied it at 62 on a pair of free throws by Trent Frazier with 52.3 seconds left. Then Jon Teske missed inside for Michigan, and the Illini had the ball back. It was the Illini’s first win in Ann Arbor since 2010.

Why Bet on Illinois? | 2021 NCAA Basketball Expert Analysis

Illinois (18-6) won its second in a row Saturday, 74-69 at No. 23 Wisconsin to complete the season sweep. After the Badgers trailed by 13 points with less than three minutes left, D’Mitrik Trice nearly brought them back by scoring 19 points in the final 2 minutes, 12 seconds. Trice’s 3-pointer cut Illinois’ lead to 70-69 with 6.7 seconds left.

After Illinois’ Trent Frazier sank two free throws with 5.7 seconds remaining, Illinois fouled Trevor Anderson with 1.9 seconds left before Wisconsin could attempt a tying free throw. An exchange of words near the Wisconsin bench followed that foul and resulted in offsetting technicals. Anderson missed the next two free throws, then Jacob Grandison hit a pair of free throws to account for the final scoring.

Illinois was playing without All-American candidate Ayo Dosunmu, who missed a second straight game after breaking his nose Tuesday in an 81-72 loss at Michigan State. He’s questionable for this one.

Illinois was led by Kofi Cockburn (19 points, seven rebounds), Andre Curbelo (17 points, seven rebounds) and Da’Monte Williams 12 points. Frazier added six rebounds for the Illini.

In two appearances against the Badgers this season, Cockburn combined for 42 points, 21 rebounds, and was 17-for-26 from the field. With Dosunmu out, the freshman Curbelo has stepped up for the Illini. He has combined for 27 points, 19 rebounds, nine assists, and a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity line in the past two games.

Illinois shot 52.1% (25-for-48) from the field, the Illini’s highest percentage at Wisconsin since shooting 53.3% (24-for-45) on Feb. 9, 2010. Illinois shot 55.6% (5-for-9) from three-point range, the Illini’s highest three-point percentage at Wisconsin since shooting 60.0% (6-for-10) on Jan. 10, 2008. Illinois is one of four teams to win back-to-back years at Kohl Center in the last 20 years. Only Illinois and Michigan State have achieved the feat twice.

Why Bet on Michigan? | 2021 NCAA Basketball Expert Analysis

Michigan (18-1) might move up to No. 2 in the new AP Top 25 on Monday with former unbeaten Baylor, the current No. 2, losing over the weekend. The Wolverines avoided a potential trap Saturday in winning 73-57 at Indiana.  IU was without top guard Armaan Franklin, sidelined with a right foot injury suffered a few days earlier at Rutgers. He was wearing a boot.

“Disappointed in the outcome,” Hoosiers coach Archie Miller said, “but Michigan is a terrific team. They just keep coming. They have amazing size. They have a lot of answers on both ends of the floor.”

Despite a short turnaround from Thursday night’s win over No. 12 Iowa, Michigan had little trouble dispatching the Hoosiers. Michigan led for nearly the entire game — and by double digits for much of the second half. Michigan’s offense was especially effective in the second half, connecting on 50 percent of its attempts after only making 40.7 percent in the game’s first 20 minutes.

It was U-M’s fourth straight road win as the Wolverines improved to 6-1 away from Ann Arbor in Big Ten play. Franz Wagner led U-M, posting his second straight game of a season-high 21 points. He added six rebounds and three steals. Isaiah Livers made four three-pointers, scored 16 points and tied his career high with 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season.

Mike Smith added 14 points, going 4-for-5 from the field with a pair triples. He added three assists and three rebounds. Smith leads U-M in three-point shooting (46.5 percent) after he started 1-for-9 to begin the season. Freshman center Hunter Dickinson closed with 13 points, seven rebounds, a block and two assists. Dickinson will win Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.

Livers was named one of five finalists for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Julius Erving Award, presented annually to the nation’s top small forward.

Michigan needs one win in its final three games to clinch its first regular-season conference title since 2013-14. The Wolverines also squeezed past Baylor to take over the No. 2 spot on KenPom following Saturday’s victory.

Expert College Basketball Prediction

Michigan 76, Illinois 71

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MyBookie Odds for the Games

 

 

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The most important non-conference game each season for both Iowa State and Iowa is when they face each other in the Cy-Hawk series. That’s the case on Thursday night as the Cyclones look to hand the No. 18 Hawkeyes a third straight loss. Iowa is a slight College Basketball Betting favorite.

How to Bet Iowa State vs Iowa NCAA Basketball Spread & Game Info

When: Thursday, 8 PM ET
Where: Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City
TV: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Radio: TuneIn
NCAA Basketball Spread: Iowa State -1 (Total 152.5)

Last Season

Iowa State beat visiting Iowa 84-78 behind 24 points from then-freshman Lindell Wigginton. Nick Weiler-Babb had 15 points and 10 assists for the Cyclones. The game featured 17 lead changes and seven ties, but Wigginton followed a corner 3 by Donovan Jackson with one of his own, putting Iowa State ahead 72-63 with 6:15 left — a lead the Cyclones would not relinquish. Iowa outrebounded the Cyclones 53-31.

But it also committed 18 turnovers and shot 1 of 8 from the free throw line.

Iowa State and Iowa are meeting for the 72nd time. The Hawkeyes own a 44-27 edge in the all-time series, including 28-7 in Iowa City. The Cyclones have won seven of the last nine meetings and in the last 12 own an 8-4 edge.

2018 Team Records

All: Iowa State 7-1 / Iowa 6-2
Home: Iowa State 6-1 / Iowa 6-1
Away: Iowa State 1-0 / Iowa 0-1
ATS: Iowa State 5-3 / Iowa 2-6
Over/Under: Iowa State 1-7 / Iowa 4-4

Why Bet on Iowa State?

ISU (7-1) comes off an 81-59 rout of North Dakota State. The Cyclones were paced by senior guard Marial Shayok, who scored 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Michael Jacobson put up a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double. Jacobson pulled down four offensive boards on the night. Nick Weiler-Babb scored 11 points shooting 4-of-4 from the field, to go with eight rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes of action.

ISU is 6-1 when leading at halftime this year and 6-1 when outshooting its opponent from the field. The Cyclones’ 10 blocks were school’s most since Dec. 4, 2017 (11 vs. Northern Illinois). ISU has not trailed in its last three games. It has four wins of 20 or more points this season. Iowa State has held five of its opponents below 60 points after doing so just four times last season. The Cyclones and Texas Tech lead the Big 12 with seven wins by 20 or more points.

ISU is the only school to have three players ranked among the top-15 in the Big 12 in scoring. The Cyclones are paced by Shayok’s 19.4 points, which ranks second in the Big 12. Shayok has been in double figures in all eight contests, the longest streak in his career.

Steve Prohm has 10 career wins against AP Top-25 teams as Cyclone head coach, which ranks as the fourth-most in ISU history.

Why Bet on Iowa?

Iowa lost last Friday to No. 22 Wisconsin by six and then was crushed 90-68 at No. 10 Michigan State on Monday. The Spartans trailed for more than six minutes in the first half and were behind by as much as six points before a Nick Ward-led surge gave them a 43-33 lead at halftime. The Hawkeyes had no hope for a comeback because they missed 19 of 20 shots to open the second half. Michigan State’s 90 points are the most surrendered by the Hawkeyes this season.

The Hawkeyes didn’t have an answer to Michigan State’s frontcourt. The trio of Ward, Kenny Goins, and Xavier Tillman combined for 59 points and 31 rebounds. Iowa finished with a 32.8 field goal percentage, making 21-of-64 field goals. Junior Tyler Cook paced the Hawkeyes with 15 points to go along with eight rebounds. Junior Isaiah Moss scored 13 and junior Jordan Bohannon finished with 11.

Bohannon made two 3-pointers Monday. The junior now has 198 career 3-pointers, two shy of becoming the seventh Hawkeye with 200 triples. Cook is 40 points and 68 rebounds from becoming the 26th Hawkeye to total 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.

The Hawkeyes rank second in the country in free throw makes per game (24.6) and first in attempts (32.4). Iowa has made 19 or more free throws in seven of eight contests. Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten in free throw percentage (.761), free throw makes (197) and attempted (259); second in scoring offense (80.8), and fifth in steals (6.5).

The home team has won 13 of the last 15 meetings in the series. ISU’s 2010 win (75-72) and 2014 win (90-75) in Iowa City are the exceptions. Iowa has won 55 of its last 59 non-conference home games, dating back to 2012.

Iowa State vs Iowa NCAA Basketball Betting Trends

Expert NCAAB Betting Prediction for Iowa State vs Iowa

ISU hasn’t played a true road game yet, and it will be a very different atmosphere. Take Iowa.

 

 

Previous Betting News

This Big 10 matchup between the Fighting Illini and the Spartans takes us to the Breslin Center where we find the number one ranked team in the nation pitted up against a team that’s struggling to maintain a .500 record. Despite this typically being a fairly even match up, this year the Spartans will be too much for the Fighting Illini, even without star player Denzel Valentine, who has already stated that he won’t be back until the match up against the Nittany Lions. Expect this game to be over quickly. To the average fan this game would be a bore to watch, but for NCAAB betting buffs, this game will be a gold mine full of opportunity. You can tune in at 9:00 PM EST on ESPN to catch this game.

Fighting Illini vs Spartans NCAA Basketball Betting Preview

In this game you’re playing an odds game, it’s that easy. Choosing Illinois, no matter how great the payout is, is going to be a huge risk to your bankroll. Although the Spartans just lost to Iowa in a double digit loss, Iowa is a much stronger team than the Illini and don’t expect a repeat of that Spartan loss, even without Denzel Valentine. Be sure to check back here on Mybookie.ag often to get updated odds once the oddsmakers publish them.

Why Bet on the Illinois Fighting Illini?

The Spartans have looked a bit “lost” without Denzel Valentine. The entire Spartan offense runs through Denzel. He scores the most points on their team, dishes out 7 assists per game,and even contributes an average of over 8 rebounds per game. Without him, the Spartans went to overtime against a terrible Oakland team, lost to Iowa, and finally regrouped to barely snag a win against the Golden Gophers. The Illini have a chance to stick with the Spartans in this game, and although their shot at winning is slim, I would expect them to make this a close game until the last few minutes.

Why Bet on the Michigan State Spartans?

As bad as Michigan State has looked without Valentine, the Illini have looked worse all year long. With an 8-7 record, and one of the worst backcourts in the big ten (319th in division 1 in rebounding), Matt Costello is going to feast on the boards all game long. Malcolm Hill is the only real threat on the Illini, and the Spartans lock down defense should have no trouble containing Hill. Sure, this game would be easier with Valentine, but the Spartans should handle this game easily even without him.

Expert Pick and Final Score Projection

I can’t see the Illini winning this game, but they will give the Spartans a run for their money. I would compare the skill level of the Illini to that of Minnesota (who the Spartans just beat by 8), although the Illini might even be a bit better, as their record suggests. The Spartans are one of the best teams in the NCAA, but without Denzel Valentine they’ve slipped up quite a bit. Expect this game to be closer than you’d think.

Final Score Projection: Illinois 64 Michigan State 70

 

 

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In case you didn’t get the memo, the No.12 Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans outlasted the No. 5 Purdue Boilermakers in double-overtime to claim a thrilling 85-83 first round upset win on Thursday at the Pepsi Center for a chance to play in the Round of 32. Up next for the upset-minded Little Rockers is a Saturday clash against the Iowa State Cyclones. Can the Trojans continue their Cinderella run in the NCAA Tournament lines, or will the Cyclones blow past them in this intriguing clash? All you need to know about this game is briefly previewed for you below, including free March Madness picks.

Arkansas-Little Rock vs Iowa State NCAA Tournament Odds

What: Arkansas Little Rock Trojans (30-4) at Iowa State Cyclones (22-11) When: Saturday, March 19 Start: 6:10 PM ET Where: Denver, Colorado Stadium: Pepsi Center Spread: Iowa State -6 Moneyline: Iowa State -280 Game Total: 145.5 Watch: TNT

Why Bet on Iowa State

The season numbers–22-11, 16-13-1 ATS–may not tell the story as you’d want to hear it, but the Cyclones have certainly been one of the better teams in the Big 12, if not the country. After respectably losing to Kansas and Oklahoma in the Big Ten Tournament; the Cyclones kick-started their Tourney with a refreshing 94-81 win over the 13th-seeded Iona.

There are many factors working in the Cyclones’ favor this season, but if I was to single the most important one, it would be their fluid offense that is averaging a whopping 81 points per game (15th best in the nation) to go along with 16.5 assists per game (23rd best in the nation). Against Iona, for example, all of Iowa State’s starters scored in double digits, paced by the Cyclones’ season-leading scorer Georges Niang, who torched the Gaels for 28 points on Thursday. If Niang and Co. can bring this offense to Saturday’s game, it almost certainly looks like Arkansas and its Trojan Tourney horse will be crawling back to the Little Rock where the team came from.

Why Bet on Arkansas-Little Rock

You are excused if you don’t know much about the Trojans before now, but after their masterpiece Josh Hagins-led performance against the fifth-ranked Purdue, you will only have yourself to blame if you don’t pay attention to them. Spotting a stellar 30-4 SU and 20-10-0 ATS record on the season, the Trojans have been the definition of dominance in the Sun Belt region, and going by what they did to Purdue, they want to make a lasting impression in the Tourney.

I cannot tell you how far the Trojans will go, but I will tell you that if they play in the same manner they did when they erased a 13-point deficit to force two OTs and eventually stun Purdue, they will most certainly be able to stick it to Iowa in a similar way.

Expert March Madness Betting Predictions and Picks

Beating Purdue was a big deal, and congratulations are fully deserved for the Trojans. Unfortunately for them, the high-scoring Cyclones are on high-alert, which means Iowa State is likely to start this game strongly, pushing the pace to stay as far away from the Little Rockers. So, although the Trojans’ three-quarter and half-court pressure may help keep the Cyclones within distance in the second half, I see Iowa State (which is 4-0 ATS in its last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games overall) doing enough to walk away with the win and cover of the spread.

Iowa State Cyclones 76, Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans 68

 

 

Previous Betting News

We usually have to wait until after the new year to get into the real big games in NCAAB betting, but we have a great one lined up for Tuesday, December 22, which is when the #5 ranked Iowa Cyclones head into Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati to face the #23 ranked Bearcats. Tip-off is set for 7 PM EST on ESPN2.

Iowa State vs Cincinnati NCAA Basketball Betting Preview

How to bet Iowa State Cyclones Vs Cincinnati Bearcats

When you have ranked teams going head to head, you are never quite sure what to expect. Do you go with the home team at straight up odds, or do you bet the line with the higher ranked Cyclones. Both teams can score, but they also play great team defense, which makes the OVER/UNDER an intriguing one.

Why bet on the Iowa State Cyclones

Sometimes a good team is at its most dangerous after it has sustained an injury, which is exactly where the 9-1 Cyclones are after taking an 81-79 loss to Northern Iowa over the weekend. They will be looking to bounce back in a big way, which could be bad news for the Bearcats. Iowa State have gone 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after an ATS loss, and they are also 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games on the road versus teams with a winning percentage of .600 or better. Iowa State can score, and are averaging 84.8 PPG versus69.3 PPG against.

Why bet on the Cincinnati Bearcats

The Bearcats (10-2) are winners of 2 straight heading into this one, and they have to feel good about themselves after picking up a solid 69-63 win on the road to Virginia. Cincinnati has gone 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games versus Big 12 opposition, and are also 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win. On the downside, they have only played one other ranked team this season, and they went down 65-55 to Xavier in that one. Cincinnati is averaging 78. PPG this season, and have been giving up just 59.4 PPG. They are going to need all of that defense to hold off an offensively gifted Iowa State Cyclones squad.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Winning on the road is tough, but it gets a little more difficult when you have to head onto the home court of a ranked opponent. This will be Iowa State’s first game versus ranked opposition this year, and I think they will rebound after taking that tough loss, but I do expect this to be a close one.

Iowa State Cyclones 70 Cincinnati Bearcats 68